Despite all of the hoopla around him as we come closer to the 2025 NBA Draft, Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg may not play this season. Flagg recently stated that he may stay in college for a second season, which would surprise many in the basketball industry
“Sh—, I want to come back next year,” Flagg said. A comment that startled the social media community.
“I still feel like a kid,” he subsequently said when asked if he felt more like a collegiate or professional athlete. “This is the only way I have ever experienced college. That is how I see it. I’m not sure how kids felt previously, or whether this seems different, like being a professional.
I mean, the same thing happens to high school students who are paid well. I do not know. I feel fairly normal.” Flagg has performed admirably for Duke this season, leading the team in several statistical categories. The true freshman presently averages 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocked shots per game.
Duke has a record of 21-2 and leads the ACC Conference. Much of this is due to Flagg’s performance, and his return to college next year would significantly alter how the Blue Devils formed their roster.
Flagg is widely regarded as the consensus favorite to be taken first overall in the 2025 NBA draft. Many NBA scouts like his skill, and some clubs have already begun to tank in order to improve their chances of landing the first overall draft choice.
“I always wanted to play in college at the highest level and compete for a national championship,” the 18-year-old stated in an otherwise subdued interview.
“That sort of thing is what I dreamed about.” If Flagg were to continue in college for another year, the draft’s outcome would be completely different. Despite the great class entering this year, teams would shift their focus to the 2026 Draft.
While it is odd that he will choose to stay at Duke over the NBA, stranger things have happened in the past. Flagg is just 18 years old, therefore he has lots of time to reach the NBA in the future.
“That sort of thing is what I dreamed about.” The draft would be completely different if Flagg were to stay in college for another season. Even with this year’s great class, teams would turn their focus to the 2026 Draft.
While it is doubtful that he will choose to stay at Duke rather than play in the NBA, stranger things have happened. Flagg is just 18 years old, so he still has plenty of time to make his NBA debut.
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